Avantes AVASPEC-128 User manual
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Apr-09 1
INTRODUCTION 3
CONTENTS OF SHIPMENT 3
1QUICK START 5
1.1 INSTALLING THE AVASPEC 5
1.1.1 Bluetooth installation 7
1.2 LAUNCHING THE SOFTWARE 11
1.2.1 USB1 platform 11
1.2.2 USB2 platform 11
1.3 MEASURING AND SAVING A SPECTRUM 12
1.4 MEASUREMENT SETUP 13
2MINIATURE FIBER OPTIC SPECTROMETERS 15
2.1 AVASPEC-128 FIBER OPTIC SPECTROMETER 15
2.2 AVASPEC-256 FIBER OPTIC SPECTROMETER 18
2.3 AVASPEC-1024 FIBER OPTIC SPECTROMETER 21
2.4 AVASPEC-2048 FIBER OPTIC SPECTROMETER 24
2.5 AVASPEC-2048L FIBER OPTIC SPECTROMETER WITH LARGER PIXELS 27
2.6 AVASPEC-ULS2048 ULTRA LOW STRAYLIGHT FIBER OPTIC SPECTROMETER 28
2.7 AVASPEC-3648 FIBER OPTIC SPECTROMETER 29
2.8 AVASPEC-2048X14 HIGH UV-SENSITIVITY BACK-THINNED CCD SPECTROMETER 32
2.9 AVASPEC-NIR256 NEAR-INFRARED FIBER OPTIC SPECTROMETER 35
2.10 SPECTROMETER CONNECTIONS 37
2.10.1 USB1 platform connections 37
2.10.2 USB2 platform connections 40
2.11 AVASPEC MULTICHANNEL FIBER OPTIC SPECTROMETERS 43
2.11.1 Multichannel connections USB1 platform 44
2.11.2 Multichannel connections USB2 platform 46
2.12 AVASPEC-2048TEC THERMO-ELECTRIC COOLED FIBER OPTIC SPECTROMETER 49
2.12.1 Connections 50
3AVASOFT-BASIC MANUAL 53
3.1 MAIN WINDOW 54
3.2 MENU OPTIONS 60
3.2.1 File Menu 60
3.2.2 Setup Menu 67
3.2.3 View Menu 73
3.2.4 Help Menu 77
3.3 TROUBLESHOOTING 78
4 LIGHT SOURCES 79
4.1 AVALIGHT-HAL TUNGSTEN HALOGEN LIGHT SOURCE 80
4.2 AVALIGHT-HAL-S TUNGSTEN HALOGEN LIGHT SOURCE WITH SHUTTER 82
4.3 AVALIGHT-HAL-CAL CALIBRATED TUNGSTEN HALOGEN LIGHT SOURCE 85
4.4 AVALIGHT-LED LED LIGHT SOURCE 87
4.5 AVALIGHT-DHC COMPACT DEUTERIUM-HALOGEN LIGHT SOURCE 89
4.6 AVALIGHT-XE XENON PULSED LIGHT SOURCE 93
4.7 AVALIGHT-D(H)S(-BAL) (BALANCED)DEUTERIUM HALOGEN LIGHT SOURCE 95
4.8 AVALIGHT-DH-CAL UV/VIS CALIBRATED LIGHT SOURCE 101
4.9 AVALIGHT-CAL SPECTRAL CALIBRATION LIGHT SOURCE 103
5FIBER OPTICS 106
2 Apr-09
5.1 SLEEVING MATERIAL 108
5.2 FIBER OPTIC CABLES 109
5.2.1 Patch cords 109
5.2.2 Bifurcated cables 110
5.3 FIBER OPTIC REFLECTION PROBES 111
5.4 FIBER OPTIC TRANSMISSION DIP PROBES 112
5.5 FIBER OPTIC ACCESSORIES 113
5.5.1 Collimating lenses 114
5.5.2 Cosine corrector 115
5.5.3 Vacuum feed through 116
5.5.4 Fiber optic interconnect 116
5.5.5 Reflection probe Holder 116
6ACCESSORIES 117
6.1 INTEGRATING SPHERES 118
6.2 CUVETTE HOLDERS 120
6.2.1 CUV-UV/VIS 120
6.2.2 CUV-FL-UV/VIS 120
6.2.3 CUV-ALL-UV/VIS 121
6.2.4 CUV-DA-UV/VIS 122
6.3 FOS-1/2-INLINE FIBER OPTIC SWITCH 123
6.4 FLOW CELLS 125
6.4.1 1”, 1/4" and 1/2" flow cells 125
6.4.2 Micro flow cells 125
6.5 WS-2 WHITE REFLECTIVE TILE 126
INDEX 127
Apr-09 3
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing an AvaSpec Avantes Fiber Optic Spectrometer System.
You may find an electronic version of this manual as pdf file on your Avantes CD-rom that came with
the system, the newest version of this manual can also be downloaded from our website
www.avantes.com under the section downloads.
This manual provides users with directions on configuring your AvaSpec with your computer and
operating the AvaSpec-128, AvaSpec-256, AvaSpec-1024, AvaSpec-2048 (FT and TEC), AvaSpec-
2048L, AvaSpec-2048x14, AvaSpec-3648, AvaSpec-ULS2048 and AvaSpec-NIR256 Miniature Fiber Optic
Spectrometer. For abbreviated directions on setting up your system, turn to the instructions
beginning in Chapter 1: Quick Start. In addition, this manual covers instructions for using some of
our most popular spectroscopic components including light sources, sampling chambers, sampling
optics, fiber optic probes, and optical fiber assemblies.
This manual describes the installation and operation for both USB1 platform (USB1) and USB2
platform (USB2) spectrometers, the reference to the platform is designated between brackets.
There is a separate manual for AvaSoft full version Spectrometer Software and there is a separate
manual available for OEM customers on the AvaBench and AS-161 or AS-5216 electronics board.
Contents of shipment
In your shipment box you will find following, please check carefully that all items are present:
AvaSpec spectrometer
PS-12V/1.0A power supply (not included for USB2 or SPU1 self powered USB version)
USB or RS-232 interface cable
AvaSpec Product CD-rom
Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet.
AvaSpec Spectrometer
The AvaSpec spectrometer comes in a black enclosure for 1 and 2
channels. All electrical connectors are located on the backside; on the
front side is the optical entrance connector. On the bottom a sticker is
located with spectrometer type, serial nr, installed options date and
customer name.
Please follow instructions in chapter 1 or 2 for installation.
PS-12VDC/1.0A power supply (not included for –USB2 or –SPU self powered USB version)
The PS-12V/1.0A power supply is standard equipped with EUR connection
and is suitable for 100-240 VAC. If you need different socket connection,
please contact us for US, UK or Australian power supply. Please follow
instructions in chapter 1 or 2 before connecting the power supply.
USB or RS-232 interface cable
Standard a USB interface cable is included in the shipment. For connection under RS-232 a 9- pole
IC-DB9-2 interface cable ( for USB1 platform) or an IC-DB26/DB9-2 (for USB2 platform) should be
separately ordered with the instrument.
4 Apr-09
AvaSpec Product CD-rom
The AvaSpec CD-ROM includes the installation software for the AvaSpec
products, such as AvaSpec-128, AvaSpec-256, AvaSpec-1024, AvaSpec-2048(L),
AvaSpec-2048x14, AvaSpec-3648, AvaSpec-ULS2048 and AvaSpec-NIR256. It also
includes a PDF version of this manual, a PDF version of the Avantes catalog and
a PDF version of the AvaSoft-full manual.
Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet
This calibration sheet is unique to your spectrometer; it includes the
wavelength calibration coefficients, installed grating, wavelength
range and options as well as the spectrometer serial nr.
Please make sure to save this document in a secure place.
Upgrades
Customers sometimes find that they need Avantes to make a change to or to upgrade their system.
In order for Avantes to make these changes, the customer must first contact us and obtain a Return
For Upgrade (RFU) number. Please contact the Avantes Technical Services for specific instructions
when returning a product.
If you still have problems with your installation, do not hesitate to contact us:
Avantes Technical Support
Soerense Zand Noord 26
NL-6961 RB Eerbeek
The Netherlands
Tel. +31-(0) 313-670170, Fax. +31-(0) 313-670179
Apr-09 5
1 Quick Start
The AvaSpec spectrometers are easy to set up, allowing the user to start collecting data within
minutes. The pages in this section provide instructions on setting up your system, installing and
configuring the software and connecting sampling optics.
1.1 Installing the AvaSpec
First install the AvaSoft software from the CD-rom, before you connect your AvaSpec spectrometer
to your computer. If you connect the AvaSpec first, you will not be able to use your spectrometer.
One of the options in the main menu which is shown after the CD-rom is inserted in the CD-rom
drive, is to install AvaSoft software. After selecting this option, a submenu is displayed in which the
spectrometer configuration can be selected. The AvaSpec-USB1 group of spectrometers should be
selected to install AvaSoft for one of the following spectrometer types:
AvaSpec-128 or AvaSpec128-y
AvaSpec-256 or AvaSpec256-y
AvaSpec-1024 or AvaSpec1024-y
AvaSpec-2048 or AvaSpec2048-y
AvaSpec-2048FT or AvaSpec2048FT-y
In which y represents the number of spectrometer channels.
The AvaSpec-USB2 group of spectrometers should be selected to install AvaSoft7 for one of the
following spectrometer types:
AvaSpec-128/256/1024/2048/2048L/2048x14/3648/ULS2048/NIR256-USB2.
Other Avantes Products for which AvaSoft can be installed are AvaMouse for which a separate
manual is available.
Instructions below are for the AvaSpec-USB1 and -USB2 spectrometers, -Bluetooth®instructions are
found in section 1.1.1.
New since AvaSoft 7.3.1 Windows-Vista 64 bit support for AvaSpec-USB2 platform only
New AS5216.DLL with support for Windows Vista x64. The AS5216.DLL now detects whether it is
running on a 64 bit version of Windows, and will then use the WinUSB device driver, instead of the
distributed with Vista. The install package for the as5216.dll will configure WinUSB to support the
AS5216 hardware. The DLL and AvaSoft are all still 32 bit programs, but they will now work on Vista
x64 (in the so-called WoW64 mode).
Installation Dialogs
The setup program will check the system
configuration of the computer. If no
problems are detected, the first dialog is
information.
In the next dialog, the destination directory
for the AvaSoft software can be changed.
The default destination directory is
C:\AVASOFT7USB2. If you want to install
the software to a different directory, click
the Browse button, select a new directory
and click OK. If the specified directory does
not exist, it will be created.
6 Apr-09
In the next dialog, the name for the program manager group can be changed. The default name for
program starts installing files.
During this installation, the installation program will check if the most recent USB driver has been
installed already at the PC. If no driver is found, or if the driver needs to be upgraded, the Device
Driver Installation Wizard is launched automatically, click Next
After the drivers have been installed successfully, the dialog at the right is displayed, click Finish.
Connecting the hardware
Connect the USB connector to a USB port on your computer with the supplied USB cable. Windows
automatically, and click next. After the Hardware Wizard has completed, the following dialog is
displayed:
Click Finish to complete the installation.
Please note that if the spectrometer is
Connected to another USB port to which it has
software for this port as well. For this reason,
this
multichannel AvaSpec-USB2 spectrometer
system. This, because inside the housing, the
USB ports for each spectrometer channel is
connected to a USB-Hub.
Windows Vista will install the driver automatically, without
Apr-09 7
1.1.1 Bluetooth installation
The AvaSpec spectrometers with Bluetooth®wireless data transfer support are shipped with a
Bluesoleil BS001 USB dongle. The Bluetooth®drivers can be installed from the Avantes product CD-
ROM. This section describes how to setup Bluetooth®data communication with the AvaSpec-BT
spectrometer.
Install AvaSoft for USB2 spectrometers from the Avantes Product CD-ROM
Insert the Avantes Product CD-ROM in the CD drive of your PC,
install AvaSoft.
Install Bluetooth®drivers
-ROM. Click this option to install the Bluetooth
drivers for the BS001 USB dongle. After the installation has been completed you will be asked to
restart the computer. After the restart, insert the BS001 USB dongle.
clicking
the bluetooth icon at the desktop. In this window, go to the Bluetooth menu and
A shortcut to setup the Classic View is to right click the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar which shows
the same option
8 Apr-09
Connect the 12 VDC external power supply or batterypack to the AvaSpecSpec
First make sure that the Batterypack is completely charged, if not connect the batterypack to the
charger and let it charge until the LED on the charger starts to flicker (trickle-charge mode). Now
connect the batterypack to the AvaSpec and switch on the batterypack (switch on the frontside) and
switch on the AvaSpec to external power. In the Classic View, the AvaSpec will initially be displayed
as a Bluetooth Device. The icon is a question mark.
By double clicking the question mark icon, the serial port icon will be high lighted:
Apr-09 9
By double clicking the Serial Port icon, the connection will be established and a virtual serial port
number will be assigned:
This serial port number (COM21 in this example) will be needed later on in AvaSoft. The color of the
Bluetooth Device icon changes to green, and a dotted line with moving red dot between the PC
(yellow bowl in the center) and the Bluetooth Device (AvaSpec) illustrates that the connection has
been established successfully
10 Apr-09
Starting AvaSoft
AvaSoft can be started after data communication has been established. The first time that AvaSoft is
started for the Bluetooth spectrometer, it will show the dialog at the right.
Click
communication through RS-
list with available comports will be displayed. In
our example, COM8 has been selected for the
Bluetooth®data communication. Select the right
COM port from the list and click OK. AvaSoft will
now read the configuration data from the
spectrometer (this can take about 15 seconds),
after which measurements can be started.
Apr-09 11
1.2 Launching the software
AvaSoft can be started from Windows Start Menu. Under Start-programs, the grou
The AvaSoft Help icon can be used to activate the AvaSoft help files (these help files can also be
activated from the Help menu after starting AvaSoft).
1.2.1 USB1 platform
After starting AvaSoft, the dialog at the right will be shown to indicate that the USB connection has
been detected (a similar dialog will be shown if the serial RS-232 interface is used):
If more than one AvaSpec spectrometer is connected to your PC, the
dialog at the right will be shown which allows you to select the
spectrometer serial number for which you want to use AvaSoft. With USB1
platform spectrometers you can run multiple spectrometers
simultaneously, just by restarting AvaSoft multiple times. After clicking
the OK button, the main window is displayed.
1.2.2 USB2 platform
After starting the AvaSoft 7 software, all connected spectrometers will be
recognized automatically and the serialnrs will appear as labels on the right hand of the screen.
After clicking the start button all connected spectrometers will be displayed in the main window.
found in section 1.3, if you want to start measuring immediately. Detailed information about the
menu options are found in section 3. Depending on the AvaSoft version (Basic or Full) and the extra
add-on modules that were ordered for your spectrometer, up to six applications are available in
AvaSoft-full, which are described in the separate AvaSoft-full manual:
History (standard in AvaSoft FULL)
Wavelength Calibration (standard in AvaSoft FULL)
Color Measurement (add-on module)
Irradiance Measurement(add-on module)
Process Control (add-on module)
Excel Output (add-on module)
Oxygen (add-on module)
Chemometry (add-on module)
12 Apr-09
1.3 Measuring and saving a spectrum
1. After starting AvaSoft, the green Start button needs to be clicked to start measuring.
2. Connect a fiber or probe to the light source and to the spectrometer input port(s) and set up the
experiment for taking a reference spectrum.
3. Adjust the Smoothing Parameters in the Setup menu (section 3.2.2) to optimize smoothing for
the Fiber/Slit diameter that is used (for USB2 platform AvaSpecs optimal smoothing is preset
and stored on board in the EEPROM).
4. Now turn on the light source. Usually some sort of spectrum may be seen on the screen, but it is
possible that too much or too little light reaches the spectrometer at the present data collection
settings. Too much light means that, over a certain wavelength range, the signal is saturated
the statusbar of the spectrometer channel. This can usually be solved by a shorter integration
time. The integration time can be changed in the main window, in the white box below the
integration time box is gray, indicating that it cannot be changed (USB1). After clicking the
. Try to adjust
the integration time, such that the maximum count over the wavelength range is around 90% of
the full ADC scale (14750 counts for the 14bit ADC, 59000 counts for the 16bit ADC). When at
minimum integration the signal is still too high, an attenuator, a neutral density filter or fibers
with a smaller diameter may be used. When not enough light reaches the spectrometer, likewise
a longer integration time should be entered.
5. When a good spectrum is displayed, turn off the light source.
6. Now save the Dark data. This is be done by File-Save-Dark from the menu or by clicking the
black square on the left top of the screen with the mouse. Always use Save Dark after the
integration time has been changed.
7. Turn on the light source again. Save the present spectrum as a reference by choosing File Save-
Reference from the menu or by clicking at the white square (next to the black one). Always use
Save Reference after the integration time has been changed. Now the
Transmittance/reflectance (T/R button) or Absorbance (A button) spectra can be obtained
online. To have a better look at the amplitude versus wavelength, the cursor button can be
clicked. A vertical line is displayed in the graph. If the mouse cursor is placed nearby this line,
displayed, the left mouse button can be used to drag (keep left mouse button down) the line
with the mouse towards a new position. Moving this line shows the corresponding values of
wavelength and amplitude in the main screen. By clicking the red stop button, the data
acquisition is stopped and the last acquired spectrum is shown in static mode. The data
acquisition can be started again by clicking the same button, whic
8. To save the spectrum (in the mode chosen before), choose File-Save-Experiment from the menu,
or click the Save Experiment button from the button bar.
9. To improve the Signal/Noise ratio, a number of spectra may be averaged. To do this, the value
in the white average box in the main window (next to integration time) can be increased. The
value can only be changed in static mode. When AvaSoft is acquiring data, the average box
becomes gray (USB1 platform).
Apr-09 13
The following are typical configurations for absorbance, transmission, irradiance, and reflection
experiments.
1.4 Measurement Setup
UV/VIS Absorbance/Transmission Setup
Irradiance Setup
Apr-09 15
2 Miniature Fiber Optic Spectrometers
With the introduction of the USB2 platform spectrometers the setup of this chapter has slightly
changed, first you will find all spectrometers by ordering code and then you will find last paragraphs
of this chapter the connections for both USB1 platform and USB2 platform.
2.1 AvaSpec-128 Fiber Optic Spectrometer
The AvaSpec-128 Fiber Optic Spectrometer is
based on the AvaBench-45 symmetrical Czerny-
Turner design with 128 pixel Photo Diode Array.
The spectrometer has a fiber optic entrance
connector (standard SMA, others possible),
collimating and focusing mirror and diffractional
grating. A choice of 11 different gratings with
different dispersion and blaze angles enable
applications in the 360-1100nm range. The
AvaSpec-128 can be delivered with 2 platforms of
electronics; either with USB1.1 with 14 bit AD
converter or the new USB2.0 with 16 bit AD
converter. Applications for this instrument are
low cost color measurements. Digital IO ports enable external triggering and control of shutter and
pulsed light sources from the Avantes line of instruments.
The AvaSpec-128 is also available as dual channel or multiple channel instrument (up to 8 channels),
where all spectra are taken simultaneously.
The AvaSpec-128 comes with AvaSoft-basic, a complete manual, USB interface cable and a PS-
12V/1.0A power supply. AvaSoft-full and application software can be ordered separately.
Alternatively the AvaSpec-128-SPU has a switch to run on USB power or external power.
The new AvaSpec-USB2 has a USB2 interface with ultrafast datasampling of 8000 spectra per second
(with on board averaging) and datatransfer in 1.1msec and supports analog in-and outputs as well.
Optional Bluetooth (-BT) communication and an SD card for on-board saving of spectra can be
added. Multiple (up to 127) USB2 spectrometers with different detector types can be externally
coupled.
AvaSoft-full and application software can be ordered separately.
Technical Data
Spectrometer platform
AvaSpec-128
AvaSpec-128-USB2
Optical Bench
Symmetrical Czerny-Turner, 45 mm focal length
Wavelength range
360-1100 nm
Resolution
1.4 64 nm, depending on configuration (see table)
Stray light
< 0.3%
Sensitivity (AvaLight-HAL, 8 µm fiber)
counts/µW per ms integration time
1000 (14-bit AD)
4000 (16-bit AD)
Detector
Photo diode array, 128 pixels
Signal/Noise
500:1
16 Apr-09
AD converter
14 bit, 1.33 MHz
16 bit, 2 MHz
Integration time
1 msec 60 sec
0.06 msec 10 minutes
Interface
USB 1.1, 12 Mbps
RS-232, 115.200 bps
USB 2.0 high speed, 480 Mbps
RS-232, 115.200 bps
Sample speed with on-board averaging
3 msec
0.12 msec
Data transfer speed
6-7 ms / scan (depending on
# pixels transferred)
1.1 msec / scan
Digital IO
DB-15 connector, 2 Digital
in, 12 Digital out
HD-26 connector, 2 Analog in,
2 Analog out, 3 Digital in, 12
Digital out, trigger, sync.
Power supply
12 VDC, reverse polarity
protection ,160 mA (PS-
12V/1.0A) or 5VDC USB
power
Default USB power, 350 mA
Or with SPU2 external 12VDC,
350 mA
Dimensions, weight
175 x 110 x 44 mm(1
channel), 716 grams
175 x 165 x 85 mm (2
channel), 1.700 grams
175 x 110 x 44 mm(1
channel), 716 grams
Grating selection table for AvaSpec-128
* please note that not all 128 pixels will be used for the useable range
Use
Useable range
Spectral range
(nm)
Lines/mm
Blaze (nm)
Order code
VIS/NIR
360-1100
400
300
300
UA
VIS
360-750
100
1200
250
UC
VIS
360-850
200
600
400
BB
VIS/NIR
360-1100*
740*
150
500
VZ
VIS/NIR
360-1100
400
300
500
VA
VIS
360-850
200
600
500
VB
VIS
400-980
100
1200
500
VC
NIR
500-935
200
600
750
NB
NIR
500-1000
100
1200
750
NC
NIR
600-1100
400
300
1000
IA
NIR
600-1100
200
600
1000
IB
Apr-09 17
Resolution table (FWHM) for AvaSpec-128
Ordering Information
AvaSpec-128 Fiber Optic Spectrometer, 45 mm Avabench, 128 pixel PDA detector,
USB1.1/RS-232 interface, incl AvaSoft-Basic, USB interface cable and a PS-
12V/1.0A power supply, specify grating, wavelength range and options
AvaSpec-128-USB2 Fiber Optic Spectrometer, 45 mm Avabench, 128 pixel PDA detector, USB
powered high speed USB2 interface, incl AvaSoft-Basic, USB interface cable,
specify grating, wavelength range and options
AvaSpec-128-2 Dual Channel Fiber Optic Spectrometer, 2 * 45 mm Avabench, 128 pixel PDA
detector, USB1.1/RS-232 interface, incl AvaSoft-Basic, USB interface cable
and a PS-12V/1.0A power supply, for both channels specify grating,
wavelength range and options
Options
-SPU incl. switch for USB powered USB1 or external power for RS232
-SPU2 incl. switch for USB powered USB2 or external power for RS232
-SPU2-BT Bluetooth interface for USB2 platform only, including antenna and switch
SDXXX Internal XXX MB SD card for on board data saving, for USB2 platform only
DCL-VIS Detector collection lens to enhance sensitivity, PMMA, 360-1100nm
SLIT-XX Slit size, please specify XX = 50, 100, 200, 500 µm
OSF-YYY Order sorting filter for 2nd order effects filtering, please specify YY= 385,
475, 515, 550, 600 nm
N.B. In order to change a grating, wavelength range or any of the options, the unit needs to be
returned to Avantes manufacturing, please ask for an RFU number (see page 4 of this manual).
The cost for the so-called AvaSpec-Upgrade depends on the modification that needs to be done.
Slit size (µm)
Grating (lines/mm)
50
100
200
500
150
13.0
13.0
26.0
64.0
300
6.4
6.4
13.0
32.0
600
3.0
3.0
6.0
16.0
1200
1.5
1.5
3.0
8.0
18 Apr-09
2.2 AvaSpec-256 Fiber Optic Spectrometer
AvaSpec-256
The AvaSpec-256 Fiber Optic Spectrometer is
based on the AvaBench-45 symmetrical Czerny-
Turner design with 256 pixel CMOS Detector
Array. The spectrometer has a fiber optic
entrance connector (standard SMA, others
possible), collimating and focusing mirror and
diffractional grating. A choice of 13 different
gratings with different dispersion and blaze
angles enable applications in the 200-1100nm
range. The AvaSpec-256 can be delivered with
2 platforms of electronics; either with USB1.1
with 14 bit AD converter or the new USB2.0
interface with 16 bit AD converter.
The AvaSpec-256 is specially suitable for low
noise applications. Digital IO ports enable external triggering and control of shutter and pulsed light
sources from the Avantes line of instruments.
The AvaSpec-256 is also available as dual channel or multiple channel instrument (up to 8 channels),
where all spectra are taken simultaneously.
The AvaSpec-256 comes with AvaSoft-basic, a complete manual, USB interface cable and a PS-
12V/1.0A power supply. AvaSoft-full and application software can be ordered separately.
Alternatively the AvaSpec-256-SPU has a switch to run on USB power or external power.
The new AvaSpec-USB2 has a USB2 interface with ultrafast datasampling of 1500 spectra per second
(with on board averaging) and datatransfer in 1.5msec and supports analog in-and outputs as well.
Optional Bluetooth (-BT) communication and an SD card for on-board saving of spectra can be
added. The AvaSpec-256-USB2 runs on USB power and comes with AvaSoft-basic, a complete manual
and USB interface cable. Multiple (up to 127) USB2 spectrometers with different detector types can
be externally coupled. AvaSoft-full and application software can be ordered separately.
Technical Data
Spectrometer platform
AvaSpec-256
AvaSpec-256-USB2
Optical Bench
Symmetrical Czerny-Turner, 45 mm focal length
Wavelength range
200-1100 nm
Resolution
0.4 64 nm, depending on configuration (see table)
Stray light
< 0.2%
Sensitivity (AvaLight-HAL, 8 µm fiber)
counts/µW per ms integration time
30 (14-bit AD)
120 (16-bit AD)
Detector
CMOS linear array, 256 pixels
Signal/Noise
2000:1
AD converter
14 bit, 330 kHz
16 bit, 500 kHz
Integration time
2 msec 60 seconds
0.6 msec 10 minutes
SMA
entrance connector
Apr-09 19
Interface
USB 1.1, 12 Mbps
RS-232, 115.200 bps
USB 2.0 high speed, 480 Mbps
RS-232, 115.200 bps
Sample speed with on-board averaging
4 msec / scan
0.6 msec /scan
Data transfer speed
7-9 ms / scan (depending on
# pixels transferred)
1.5 ms / scan
Digital IO
DB-15 connector, 2 Digital
in, 12 Digital out
HD-26 connector, 2 Analog in,
2 Analog out, 3 Digital in, 12
Digital out, trigger, sync.
Power supply
12 VDC, reverse polarity
protection, 160 mA (PS-
12V/1.0A) or 5VDC USB
power
Default USB power, 350 mA
Or with SPU2 external 12VDC,
350 mA
Dimensions, weight
175 x 110 x 44 mm (1
channel), 716 grams
175 x 165 x 85 mm (2
channel), 1.700 grams
175 x 110 x 44 mm(1
channel), 716 grams
Grating selection table for AvaSpec-256
* please note that not all 256 pixels will be used for the useable range
Use
Useable range
Spectral range
(nm)
Lines/mm
Blaze (nm)
Order code
UV/VIS/NIR
200-1100*
900*
122
250
UZ
UV/VIS/NIR
200-1100
400
300
300
UA
UV/VIS
200-850
200
600
300
UB
UV
200-750
100
1200
250
UC
UV/VIS
250-850
200
600
400
BB
VIS/NIR
300-1100*
800*
150
500
VZ
VIS/NIR
300-1100
400
300
500
VA
VIS
360-1000
200
600
500
VB
VIS
300-800
100
1200
500
VC
NIR
500-1050
200
600
750
NB
NIR
500-1050
100
1200
750
NC
NIR
600-1100
400
300
1000
IA
NIR
600-1100
200
600
1000
IB
This manual suits for next models
8
Table of contents
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